How does my child qualify for a PUF Pre-Kindergarten program?To qualify a child must be assessed and diagnosed with a severe delay/disability or a moderate language delay/disability by a qualified professional (pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech-language pathologist) and meet the Alberta Education Special Education Coding criteria. Children assessed and diagnosed with a mild delay by a qualified professional may also qualify for a placement, depending on capacity and based on Alberta Education Coding criteria. If your child has a report (dated after March 1 of the current year) from Alberta Health Services or another qualified professional, please contact the Grande Prairie Public School Division Office or the PUF Program Lead.
How do I register my child for Pre-Kindergarten?
Once your child is approved you will receive an email welcoming you and your child to the Grande Prairie Public School Division as a Program Unit Funded Student (PUF) or as a Base-Funded Student (Mild Diagnosis). This email will state your child's school, teacher, and class section. Within this email, you will find a link to School Engage and instructions on how to register your child.
Please contact the Administrative Assistant of your child's assigned school for any assistance needed with registration.
How old does my child need to be to start a PUF Pre-Kindergarten program?
Children diagnosed with a moderate/severe delay/disability may qualify if they are more than 2 years 8 months of age and less than 4 years 8 months of age on August 31 of the calendar year they are attending, as per Alberta Education criteria.
Children diagnosed with a mild delay/disability may qualify if they are more than 3 years 8 months and less than 4 years 8 months of age on August 31 of the calendar year they are attending, as per Alberta Education criteria.
Which days do Pre-Kindergarten children attend school?
Children
who have qualified based on Alberta Education criteria attend Monday through
Friday for either a morning or afternoon program.
Which schools offer PUF Pre-Kindergarten programs for children?
Crystal Park School and Swanavon schools offer Pre-Kindergarten programs for families who live in the City of Grande Prairie.
Does my child need to toilet independently?
Children diagnosed with severe delays/disabilities do not need to be toilet trained for the program and support staff will aide with changes as required. Parents are required to communicate with the classroom staff about where their child is at in the toileting process and are required to provide diapers, wipes and a change of clothes if needed.
Children diagnosed with mild/moderate delays must be toilet trained.
Is busing offered for children who attend PUF Pre-Kindergarten?
Busing is not offered for Pre-Kindergarten programs. Families are required to pick up and drop off their child at the start and end times for each location.
Does Grande Prairie Public School Division offer Preschool Programs for children who do not have unique learning needs?
Grande Prairie Public School Division offers two fee-based Preschool programs. A French Immersion Preschool at Γcole Montrose and a Montessori Preschool at Parkside. Information can be found on our website.
What are the Fees for Pre-Kindergarten?
There is no fee for children who qualify based on the Alberta Education Program Unit Fund (PUF) criteria and Alberta Education criteria.